The arrival of the Seleka rebel coalition in the Central African Republic (CAR) in December 2012, followed by the ousting of President François Bozizé on March 24, 2013 brought more trouble than anything else to the population. Abductions, killings, torture, raping, looting and other human rights violations continue to be reported.

In mid-April 2013, Seleka elements deployed to Boy-Rabe, one of the most popular neighborhoods in Bangui (capital of the CAR), stating that they wanted to disarm those who were allegedly carrying weapons. Instead of disarming, they continued to kill, loot and rape. In this second video presented by P.A.S. HOPFAN, some victims of Seleka who were living in Boy-Rabe at the time of the event speak out.

On December 5, 2013, the fighters of the so-called Anti-balaka (“Anti Aka bullet” — “Aka” for “AK-47″ or “Kalashnikov”) or self-defence militias launched an attack on Bangui, in an attempt to get rid of members of Seleka. The move was followed by the forced resignation of the then transitional President, Mr. Michel Djotodia, and the Prime Minister, Mr. Nicolas Tiangaye, on January 10, 2014. Ten days later, on January 20, the National Transition Council elected Ms. Catherine Samba-Panza as transitional President, who subsequently appointed Mr. André Nzapayeke as Prime Minister. Following consultations, a new transitional government was formed on January 27, giving rise to hope for the population who is longing for peace and stability. However, to date, both Seleka and Anti-balaka elements continue to commit human rights violations.

As divine justice is being implemented and human justice is under way so that the authors of those crimes are held accountable, may each victim forgive his/her persecutors of yesterday and today, in order to be at peace and live in harmony with the Word of GOD who demands that we forgive seventy-seven times… (Matthew 18:21-22)

Assuredly, out of ashes, the CAR will rise. We continue to pray tirelessly for peace, stability, security and prosperity in the CAR as one country, and all around the world.

21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.